In this episode, Simone unveils her latest focus, centered on the crucial elements of success: money, mindset, and business. Simone explores the concept of achieving financial wholeness in the entrepreneurial journey, regardless of the industry you operate in. She emphasizes the need to build a business that supports you financially and allows you to realize a profit by adding value through your work. Financially Whole is an amazing 90-day journey that you will go through together one-on-one and...
Jul 04, 2023•20 min
In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges faced by small businesses in the cannabis industry and the solutions that can help overcome them as Simone continues her conversation with Kenneth Mason, CEO of Equibis. Kenneth shares his insights on the unique challenges faced by small businesses in the cannabis industry, from navigating legal requirements to accessing capital and banking services. He also talks about the importance of having a strong support system and building relationships w...
Apr 28, 2023•26 min
In this episode, we delve into the career transformation of Kenneth Mason, who went from being an accountant to becoming an entrepreneur empowering small businesses through Equibis. Kenneth shares his insights on navigating entrepreneurship as an accountant and the lessons he learned along the way. He also talks about his first dip into entrepreneurship and how it led him to discover his true purpose. Kenneth emphasizes the importance of staying true to his purpose and being clear on his end goa...
Apr 24, 2023•23 min
Do you have a cannabis business that needs to raise funds? The process of fundraising can be difficult and time-consuming, so it's crucial for startup founders to have a strategic approach. In this episode, we delve deeper into business valuations and investing with Richard Bernard, Vice President of Houlihan Capital's Valuation and Financial Advisory Group. Here are some of the major topics we cover: How to begin the fundraising process for your company Tips for discussing fundraising with pote...
Apr 20, 2023•21 min
Business owners must take into account numerous factors that heavily influence a company’s value. In this episode, Richard Bernard, the Vice President of Houlihan Capital’s Valuation and Financial Advisory Group, sheds light on the process of valuing businesses within the cannabis industry. Some key takeaways include: Bernard's background and involvement in the cannabis industry and his work with Houlihan Capital An overview of the evolution of valuations over the years and the current state of ...
Apr 17, 2023•17 min
In this episode, we continue Simone’s conversation with Eric Canori and delve deeper into the topic of resilience and conquering hardships. Eric divulges his latest undertaking in cannabis cultivation in the New York market, the practices he adopted to cope with traumatic experiences, and his future aspirations. Eric Canori's memoir, titled "Pressure," is a captivating account of his journey towards perseverance, resilience, and personal growth. Through his experiences with money, sex, and drugs...
Apr 13, 2023•23 min
Before cannabis became legal in any state, Eric Canori was a prominent high-end cannabis dealer on the East Coast of the United States, responsible for smuggling over $300 million worth of the drug. In this episode, Simone interviews Eric about his journey and transformation as a former high-end cannabis dealer turned author and legal entrepreneur. Eric discusses his experiences living a fast-paced lifestyle, burying gold bars, and paying his way out of prison. He also reflects on writing his bo...
Apr 10, 2023•24 min
In this episode, Jen Flanagan interviews hemp industry expert Shawn Hauser. As a partner at Vicente LLP and a co-chair of the firm's Hemp and Cannabinoids Department, Shawn helps businesses navigate the complex regulatory landscape of the hemp market. Shawn shares insights into the differences between hemp and cannabis, and the unique challenges that hemp operators face in the industry. She discusses the current state of the hemp industry and provides valuable advice for anyone looking to start ...
Apr 06, 2023•31 min
Join Jen Flanagan in this episode, where she talks to Sahar Ayinehsazian, a partner in Vicente LLP's Los Angeles office and co-lead for the firm’s Banking and Financial Services Access practice. Sahar shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities in cannabis banking. Discover how to find a trustworthy banking partner, potential fees for cannabis operators, and the obstacles in cannabis banking. Sahar also provides valuable advice for cannabis operators and applicants seeking banking se...
Mar 23, 2023•29 min
In this episode, Jen Flanagan interviews Brian Vicente, Founding Partner of Vicente LLP and a pioneer in the cannabis industry. From the inception of the cannabis industry, Brian has been at the forefront of shaping the regulated industry. He shares with us his insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the cannabis industry today for entrepreneurs and service providers alike and his vision for the future of this rapidly growing industry. About Our Guest Website: https://vicentellp.com/...
Mar 20, 2023•27 min
Join us as we kick off our four-part series with guest host Jen Flanagan. In this episode, we get insights and tips on cannabis compliance with Casey Leaver, the director of regulatory compliance at Vincente LLP. Casey is a compliance expert with years of experience under her belt. She knows what it takes to keep a cannabis business compliant in today's ever-evolving regulatory landscape. We dive deep into the differences between laws and regulations and the common compliance issues that cannabi...
Mar 16, 2023•32 min
In this episode, we get an insight of how the Massachusetts cannabis industry started from former Commissioner Jen Flanagan. Commissioner Flanagan, currently the director of regulatory policy for Vicente LLP, shares her experience and perspective on her role as one of the appointed inaugural Commissioners on the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission in 2017. Some of the major highlights: What’s going on in Massachusetts How her background in mental health and substance abuse issues played a ...
Mar 13, 2023•54 min
In this episode, we continue our conversation with Cannabis Law & Tax Specialist Paula Collins. We talked about her experience in working with cannabis business owners and how the New York Consortium of Cannabis Accountants are supporting social equity applicants. Some major highlights from our conversation: What cannabis entrepreneurs should watch out for when it comes to taxes The fastest way entrepreneurs can get into trouble Raising entrepreneur awareness and workshops provided by NYCCA ...
Mar 09, 2023•16 min
In this episode, we continue our conversation with Cannabis Law & Tax Specialist Paula Collins on cannabis taxation. Some major highlights from our conversation: The current New York tax structure and the licensed market The best case scenario in the next 12 months Her proposed transitional license and work as a co-founder of the New York Consortium of Cannabis Accountants (NYCCA) Misinformation in tax and law in cannabis About Our Guest Paula Collins, CEO and Founder of The Morton Street Gr...
Mar 06, 2023•25 min
In this episode, we get a deep dive on cannabis licensing and compliance with Cannabis Law & Tax Specialist Paula Collins. Paula Collins, CEO and Founder of The Morton Street Group, is obsessed with getting it right for the cannabis industry. Paula is an Enrolled Agent, MBA, Lawyer, and Education Specialist, with over 10 years' experience in tax preparation from non-profits to high net worth individuals. She is admitted to practice law in New York, New Jersey, and Missouri. Some major highli...
Mar 02, 2023•25 min
Because of you, Cannabis Business Minds is in the top 5 podcasts in the industry! Thanks so much for your support! In today's episode, Simone gives an overview of what you can expect from the show from expert interviews to the simplest way to get your questions answered by an industry expert. Connect with us! Website: cannabisbusinessminds.com Instagram: cannabisbusinessminds Youtube: cannabisbusinessminds...
Feb 27, 2023•3 min
Are you ready to end the year right? In this episode, Simone shares key financial tips for your cannabis business as we wrap up 2022 and how to lock in your 2023 business budget. Haven't yet built a budget for your cannabis business? Make sure you get the 2023 budget template here: https://www.freedomsun.co/courses/businessbudget
Dec 29, 2022•9 min
Do you have business tips, insights, or stories you want to share to the Cannabis Business Minds community? Apply here: https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/contact/
Dec 22, 2022•3 min
Are you consuming cannabis or is it consuming you? On this episode, we talk to Tarris Batiste on his journey from being a football jock to helping young adults, upcoming professionals, athletes, and cannabis curious individuals to use cannabis responsibly. Some major highlights: His story and how he turned his mess to a message through his book ‘Don’t Let It Smoke You’ Discovering and understanding the power of responsible smoking Mindful consumption and not letting cannabis control you Tarris’ ...
Dec 08, 2022•21 min
On this episode, we get an insider insight on the New York cannabis scene and dive into corporate transactions with Charles Alovisetti, Partner and Corporate Department Chair at Vicente Sederberg LLP. Some major highlights: The current state and foreseen challenges on the New York cannabis industry Cannabis license and licensing caps CLIMB Act and cannabis law insights Business financing and loans from a lender’s perspective What the cannabis industry would be by 2030 Tips on getting started in ...
Dec 01, 2022•1 hr 2 min
Are you using data to make smarter decisions in your business? On today’s episode we talk about how you can start using data to build your business with profit in mind. “Data can help all kinds of cannabis businesses operate smarter, make more money, and better serve their customers.” - Jeffrey Graham On this episode, we talk to Jeffrey Graham, co-founder and CEO of Pistil Data, on how they are helping cannabis brands harness the power of data to grow faster. Some major highlights: How it all st...
Nov 24, 2022•44 min
On this episode, Simone shares some basic business principles and strategic planning you can apply to your business today. Join the Cannabis Business Mastermind Community at https://cannabisbusinessminds.com/ . Support the show Connect with us! — Instagram: @cannabisbusinessminds Youtube: @cannabisbusinessminds Linkedin: Cannabis Business Minds Podcast Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com....
Nov 17, 2022•19 min
Lack of cash control has put many companies into bankruptcy. For cannabis companies, filing for bankruptcy is not an option. “You need to have a credit & collection policy to help grow your business.” - Sam Fensterstock On this episode, we get a deep dive on credit and collections in the cannabis industry with Sam Fensterstock, SVP of Business Development at AG Adjustments (AGA) – a leading provider of 3rd party commercial collection services. Links mentioned: Why Your Delinquent Cannabis Re...
Nov 10, 2022•35 min
How familiar are you with web3.0 and NFTs? On this episode, we talk to Liz Wald about Web3 technologies and how it compelled her to co-found and launch thric3 -- an NFT-based membership community for people new or coming back to cannabis with an emphasis on wellness. Support the show Connect with us! — Instagram: @cannabisbusinessminds Youtube: @cannabisbusinessminds Linkedin: Cannabis Business Minds Podcast Have any feedback? Shoot us an email at simone@cannabisbusinessminds.com....
Nov 03, 2022•52 min
“Big misconception is that you need multiple brokers to create transparency and get multiple quotes. This is not the case and invoking many brokers most times make it more challenging for the insured.” In this episode, we uncover the nuances and myths in insuring cannabis-related businesses with Eric Schneider, co-founder of AlphaRoot – a full service insurance brokerage that focuses exclusively in the cannabis, hemp, and CBD space. Some major highlights: Different kinds of insurance coverages a...
Oct 20, 2022•1 hr 2 min
In this episode, Simone shares this timeless and insightful interview with Karim Webb for Cannabis Business Week back in July 2020 where they talk about: Karim’s journey to entrepreneurship and the impact his parents had Lessons on leadership, workplace culture, and community from his experiences in retail Challenges in operating competitive retail and improving outcomes How he got into the cannabis industry, 4thMVMT, and social equity The retail strategies to implement to attract and engage cus...
Oct 13, 2022•58 min
In this episode, Simone talks about the challenges of cannabis startups from banking, cash flow, and taking action. Some major highlights: Lessons on cannabis banking Actions to take your business from the startup phase to launch phase Key areas to master for a successful cannabis startup Reflections on New York state cannabis tax scene Topics for the upcoming episodes (email us!) What do you want to accomplish in cannabis and what it takes Access the Ultimate Cannabis Startup Checklist to get a...
Oct 06, 2022•15 min
The key is in not spending time, but in investing it. In a 2015 Small Business Pulse Survey, business owners spend only 32% of their time on activities that lead to growth, improved profitability and increased morale. In this episode, Simone challenges you to assess and rethink how you manage your time and tasks affecting your business and your personal life. Grab the Ultimate Cannabis Startup Checklist to get a roadmap to starting a profitable business. https://www.cbmnetwork.com/courses/bizche...
Sep 29, 2022•5 min
Are you having problems with prioritizing? There’s a quick tool that you can use to get out of being stressed and overwhelmed with the tasks that you have on your plate and being a proactive and mindful entrepreneur. In this episode, Simone shares how the Eisenhower matrix, a simple decision-making tool, helps you prioritize better by making distinction between tasks. Download the Ultimate Cannabis Startup Checklist to get a roadmap to starting a profitable business. https://www.cbmnetwork.com/c...
Sep 22, 2022•7 min
Cash flow is one of the biggest metrics in a cannabis business. In any business, the game is maximizing your cash flow and not just your revenue. As a startup, how do you maximize your cash flow? You can master cash flow by having your profit systems setup, having great terms with customers, and having a very clear understanding of your financial obligations. Cash flow reflects liquidity Importance of your profit systems setup Revenue growth is a big driver of cash flow Join the Finance Mentorsh...
Sep 15, 2022•5 min
